Paranayama: Kapalabhati breathing by Yogalie X Tayrona Yoga

What is Kapalabhati breathing, explained by Magalie, yoga teacher in Annecy

Kapalabhati – Frontal Brain Cleansing

Today, let's practice together this breathing technique which is part of the cleansing techniques called Kriyas ("accomplished action" in Sanskrit).

Since the body is used in yoga as a tool, its cleansing is an essential preparation. The purpose of Kriyas is to cleanse the inner pathways to purify the body, mind and soul.

Kapalabhati or the shining skull is a technique that aims to clear the respiratory tract, from the nostrils to the lungs. This technique also works on the abdominal muscles, clears the sinuses and improves digestion. In this exercise, the inspiration is passive and the expiration is active.

• Come to your yoga mat and sit comfortably. Your spine is straight and you should keep your torso as still as possible during the practice. You focus on the lower abdomen.

• Take a few natural breaths to begin with and at the end of the exhale, contract your lower abdomen by bringing your navel towards your spine in an energetic manner.

• Release the contraction and let the inhalation come naturally. To start you can go at the rate of one exhalation per second.

• Continue with short, forced exhalations and passive, natural inhalations. Start with 25 or 30 cycles at first and you can increase the number of cycles gradually up to 100.

Do you feel like I do this feeling of freshness on your forehead?

This technique should be practiced on an empty stomach and as it is energizing, it should be avoided before sleeping. In case of pain and/or dizziness, make sure that your exhalation is more gentle.

See you soon for the next video!